There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet blueberries and zesty lemon, especially when they come together in a creamy, dreamy ice cream. Whether it’s a warm summer day or you’re simply craving a refreshing homemade dessert, this blueberry lemon ice cream recipe will delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family.
With its vibrant flavors, smooth texture, and natural ingredients, this ice cream is a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Making your own ice cream at home is not only fun but also gives you the freedom to control the ingredients, making it as fresh and wholesome as you like. In this recipe, we use fresh blueberries and freshly squeezed lemon juice to create a flavor that’s bright and invigorating.
Plus, no need for artificial flavors or preservatives! So grab your ice cream maker and let’s dive into a cool treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This blueberry lemon ice cream recipe stands out because it combines classic, fresh flavors with a creamy texture that’s hard to beat. Here are just a few reasons why this recipe will become your new favorite:
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with real blueberries and fresh lemon juice for authentic taste.
- Perfect Balance: The tartness of lemon cuts through the sweetness of the blueberries and cream, creating a refreshing, well-rounded flavor.
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps and readily available ingredients make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust sweetness or add mix-ins like blueberry swirls or lemon zest for extra punch.
- Great for All Occasions: Ideal for summer parties, family gatherings, or a simple indulgence anytime.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish if desired)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- Ice cream maker (recommended for best texture)
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Fine mesh sieve (optional, for smoother blueberry puree)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Freezer-safe container for storage
Instructions
- Prepare the blueberry puree: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh blueberries with ½ cup of the granulated sugar. Blend until smooth. For an ultra-smooth texture, you can strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove skins and seeds, but this step is optional.
- Mix lemon and sugar: In a small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining ½ cup of sugar. Stir well until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture is fragrant.
- Combine dairy base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This will be your creamy ice cream base.
- Incorporate blueberry and lemon: Slowly whisk the blueberry puree and lemon mixture into the dairy base until everything is evenly combined.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the ice cream base for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This step helps the flavors meld and improves the texture of the ice cream.
- Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-30 minutes. The mixture should thicken and have a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze until firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve and enjoy: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones. Garnish with fresh blueberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired. Enjoy your refreshing homemade blueberry lemon ice cream!
Tips & Variations
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk and coconut cream. The taste will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy.
- Swirl it up: Reserve some blueberry puree and swirl it into the ice cream after churning for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Add texture: Mix in crushed graham crackers, lemon cookies, or chopped nuts just before freezing for a delightful crunch.
- Boost flavor: Add a teaspoon of fresh mint or basil along with the lemon zest for a fresh twist.
- Less sweet: Adjust sugar to your liking. If you prefer tartness, reduce sugar by up to ¼ cup.
- Make it vegan: For a vegan twist, check out our Vegan Icecream Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Treats for tips on plant-based substitutes.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/2 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin C | 10% DV* |
| Calcium | 8% DV* |
*DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Serving Suggestions
This blueberry lemon ice cream is wonderfully versatile and can be served in many delightful ways beyond just scoops in a bowl.
- Top it with fresh blueberries and a sprig of mint for an elegant presentation.
- Serve alongside a warm lemon pound cake or blueberry cobbler for a contrast of temperatures and textures. Learn more about delicious cobbler options in our Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy.
- Use it as a creamy filling in homemade ice cream sandwiches using lemon cookies or graham crackers.
- Pair with a light fruit salad or a drizzle of homemade blueberry sauce.
- Make a refreshing summer float by adding sparkling water or lemonade on top.
Conclusion
Creating your own blueberry lemon ice cream at home is a delightful way to enjoy fresh, seasonal flavors in a creamy, sweet treat. This recipe is simple to make but offers a sophisticated balance of tastes that will keep you coming back for more.
Whether you’re a seasoned ice cream maker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results. Plus, it’s a versatile base that you can personalize with your favorite add-ins or adaptations.
Don’t forget to explore other fresh and tasty recipes on our site to complement your ice cream adventures, like our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or the comforting Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide.
Happy cooking and even happier tasting!
📖 Recipe Card: Blueberry Lemon Ice Cream
Description: A creamy, tangy ice cream bursting with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon. Perfect for a refreshing summer treat.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT6H30M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine blueberries, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup sugar in a saucepan; cook until blueberries soften, about 5 minutes.
- Puree the blueberry mixture and set aside to cool.
- Whisk egg yolks and remaining sugar until pale.
- Heat milk, cream, and salt until just simmering.
- Slowly pour hot milk into egg yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return mixture to saucepan; cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in blueberry puree, lemon zest, and vanilla.
- Cool mixture completely, then refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 22g
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